Marshall County residents now have a new tool to keep their communities safe and help law enforcement solve crimes. On September 1, Marshall County Crime Stoppers Board launched its phone line and online service to solicit anonymous tips.

Crime Stoppers is a national organization that offers cash rewards for information that helps lead to an arrest and conviction in a case. Until now, such a program did not exist in Marshall County. A volunteer board of community members spent the past seven months working to make it a reality.

“The emergence of this program in our area provides a clear pathway between those of us investigating crime and the individuals who have information on criminal activity. It also allows citizens the means of working more directly with public safety as partner, when called upon. The Crime Stoppers program has proven its value all over the United States, and I’m confident it will ultimately make all the communities in Marshall County safer places to live,” said Ted Kamatchus, Marshall County Sheriff.

The board is operating the Crime Stoppers program with the full support of all law enforcement agencies in Marshall County.

“We are fortunate to live in a community where there are so many people who care about public safety and want to help make our community a great place to live and work. The Crime Stoppers program is a great opportunity to bring law enforcement and the community together for a common cause of reducing crime and arresting criminal offenders. This community driven program will positively impact all of Marshall County now and moving forward into the future. Crime Stoppers will allow our community to proactively address criminal events and emphasize the importance of community partnerships to prevent crime. Through these partnerships we will realize a safer and stronger community,” said Michael Tupper, Marshalltown Police Chief.

Now that the program is up and running, the board is working to secure funding to maintain its operation and to offer as cash rewards.

Donations can be made to the following address: Marshall County Crime Stoppers, 112 W Church St., Marshalltown, IA 50158.